Four locals are champions in state speech tournament

BOARDMAN — The Mahoning Valley was well-represented among the winners of the Ohio High School Speech League state tournament held this weekend, claiming four of the 13 champions, three of them from Cardinal Mooney High School.

“That’s pretty good,” said Eric Simione, Boardman’s speech coach, adding that not many coaches have had three winners in the same year. Matt Cretell is Mooney’s speech coach.

Mooney’s strong individual performances led to a second place team finish, behind only Perry High School near Massillon. Howland was third; Wooster fourth; Glen Oak fifth; Poland Seminary, which had the other local first-place finisher, sixth; Centerville, seventh; Springfield, ninth; Austintown Fitch and Boardman tied for tenth.

Mooney’s three state champions are Joseph St. George in International Extemporaneous, Jeanine Awad in original, and Brianna Lockett in oratorical. Poland’s state champion is Rachel Von Ahn in humorous.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.